By: Ebenezer Adugyamfi & Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada
28 OCTOBER 2026
OTTAWA, Canada — Canada and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to begin negotiations on an extradition treaty and a mutual legal assistance treaty, marking a new phase in relations between the two countries as Prime Minister Mark Carney pursues closer economic and security cooperation with the Gulf state.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, October 27, during the visit of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Ottawa.
The proposed agreements form part of a broader effort to strengthen bilateral ties, which also includes a newly signed comprehensive economic partnership agreement, defence cooperation and initiatives aimed at attracting investment into Canada.
However, the planned justice agreements could become a particularly sensitive part of the relationship because of concerns about human rights, political freedoms and the legal protections available to individuals facing extradition.
What the proposed extradition treaty means
An extradition treaty establishes a legal framework under which one country may request the surrender of a person located in another country to face criminal prosecution or serve a sentence.
For Canada and the UAE, such an arrangement could provide a more structured process for handling requests involving people suspected of committing crimes, provided the relevant legal requirements are satisfied.
An extradition treaty does not automatically mean that every person wanted by one country must be handed over to the other. Requests would be subject to the treaty’s provisions and applicable domestic laws, including any relevant safeguards and grounds for refusing extradition.
Importantly, Canada and the UAE have agreed to begin negotiations. The announcement does not mean that a treaty has already been completed, ratified or brought into force.
The two countries have also agreed to begin negotiations on a mutual legal assistance treaty, which could provide a framework for cooperation in criminal investigations and prosecutions. Such assistance can include gathering evidence, obtaining records and other forms of support, depending on the agreement’s terms.
Together, the proposed arrangements could strengthen the countries’ ability to cooperate on cross-border criminal matters.
Trade agreement and defence cooperation
The justice negotiations were announced alongside several other agreements intended to expand cooperation between Ottawa and Abu Dhabi.
Canada and the UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement following negotiations completed in 47 days, which the Canadian government described as a record for a Canadian free-trade agreement.
Once fully implemented, the agreement is expected to reduce or eliminate tariffs on more than 99 per cent of Canada’s current exports to the UAE.
The agreement is intended to improve market access for Canadian businesses in sectors including agriculture, industrial products, forestry, seafood, engineering and environmental services.
The two governments also signed a memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation. The arrangement establishes a framework for collaboration involving military education and training, defence policy discussions, joint exercises, cybersecurity and information exchange.
The partnership also includes plans for a joint military committee to guide implementation of the defence cooperation framework.
The agreements reflect Canada’s wider strategy of diversifying its trading relationships and attracting investment beyond its traditional reliance on the United States.
Why human rights concerns are part of the debate
Closer cooperation with the UAE has attracted scrutiny from human-rights organisations and civil society groups.
Human Rights Watch has documented serious concerns about restrictions on freedom of expression, political dissent and civil society in the UAE. Critics of deeper bilateral cooperation have urged Canada to ensure that economic and security interests do not overshadow its human-rights commitments.
The UAE has also faced international criticism over allegations relating to the conflict in Sudan. The country has denied accusations that it has supported the Rapid Support Forces, the paramilitary group accused of committing grave abuses during the conflict.
During Tuesday’s announcements, Canada’s International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said human rights remained an important consideration in Canada’s international engagement.
Supporters of diplomatic engagement argue that maintaining relationships with other governments provides opportunities to raise difficult issues and pursue cooperation on shared priorities.
Critics, however, question whether stronger economic and security ties could give insufficient weight to concerns about civil liberties and accountability.
The negotiations over extradition could bring these competing considerations into sharper focus, depending on the safeguards included in any eventual agreement.
Canada’s growing economic relationship with the UAE
The planned treaties come as both governments seek to deepen their economic partnership.
According to the Canadian government, bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and the UAE reached approximately C$3.5 billion in 2025. Canadian exports accounted for about C$2.8 billion, while imports from the UAE totalled approximately C$679 million.
The UAE also announced a C$70 billion investment commitment to Canada during Carney’s visit to Abu Dhabi in November 2025.
During the crown prince’s October visit, the two countries announced further cooperation involving renewable energy, transportation infrastructure and investment promotion.
Among the initiatives was an agreement involving DP World, Arctic Gateway Group and CentrePort Canada to explore opportunities for an integrated transportation corridor connecting the Port of Churchill, the Hudson Bay Railway and other logistics networks.
The Canadian government says the broader partnership is intended to support economic growth, create jobs and strengthen supply chains.
What happens next?
The immediate next step is the start of negotiations on the extradition and mutual legal assistance treaties.
Until the countries agree on the terms and complete the necessary legal processes, neither announcement should be interpreted as a fully operational treaty.
The outcome of the negotiations will determine the scope of cooperation, the legal procedures for handling requests and the safeguards that may apply to individuals involved.
For Canada, the challenge will be to pursue stronger international cooperation while ensuring that any future arrangements are consistent with Canadian law and the country’s legal and human-rights obligations.
For now, the agreement to begin negotiations signals a willingness by Ottawa and Abu Dhabi to expand cooperation beyond trade and investment into criminal justice and security.
